His first academic appointment was in the Department of Psychology at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec.[4] Following serious labour strife at Bishop’s, he was asked to serve as Chief Negotiator for the union and led the settlement of several collective agreements.[5] He later served as Chair of Psychology, Dean of Arts and Science, and Associate VP Research at the institution.[6]
In 2013 he was hired as Provost and Vice-President (Academic Affairs) at his alma mater Concordia University.[7] In 2016, he moved to Ontario to serve as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Queen's University.[8]
On May 1, 2018 he was announced as the 15th President of Carleton University in Ottawa, succeeding interim President Alastair Summerlee.[9] He began his mandate on July 1, 2018, at the same time as Carleton Board Chair Nik Nanos.[10] Together they announced Yaprak Baltacioğlu as the 12th Chancellor of the institution in December 2018.[11]
On July 20, 2023, Dr. Bacon was announced as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia, with his term to begin November 1, 2023.[12] Bacon's term as President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University ended in August 31, 2023, and was succeeded by Jerry Tomberlin as interim President and Vice-Chancellor.[13]
Personal life
To contribute to breaking down the stigma around mental health and substance use, Bacon has shared his difficult upbringing in a dysfunctional family[14] and subsequent challenges in early adulthood[15][16]